Germany, World’s Largest Exporter

I just learned that Germany is the world’s largest exporter. This was news to me I figured it was the USA or China. Looking at exports per capita and exports per GDP…Germany fares even better compared to its rival the USA. Germany is number 22 in per capita exports, compared to 55 for the USA. In GDP its Germany at number 37 and the US at 154! While this is not any valid overall comparison of German and USA economies…it certainly shows that Germany is managing to sell an impressive amount of goods on the world market. And they manage to do this with cradle-to-grave health care, environmental protection, and excellent working rights? Gee, you don’t have to pollute your country, run sweat shops, or outsource your tech jobs to India to compete on the world market? Certainly food for thought America.

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I was very surprised about Germany being the world’s export leader as well. You’re absolutely right: the fact that Germany is in the lead shows that it is possible to achieve a high level of success without sacrificing workers’ rights or the environment!

Germany has maintained its manufacturing ability in machine tools, chemicals, and all sorts of industry that the US has not.
The day will come when the US will realize this was a huge mistake. Service based economies all rely on manufactured goods when you really think about it. If a country looses this ‘vertical integration’ it looses its ability to direct its future.
Are we all headed for a US economy where “I will mow your lawn if you mow mine”? Who makes the lawnmower?

Joe Smith started the day early having set his alarm clock (MADE IN JAPAN) for 6am. While his coffeepot (MADE IN CHINA) was perking, he shaved with his electric razor (MADE IN HONG KONG). He put on a dress shirt (MADE IN SRI LANKA), designer jeans (MADE IN SINGAPORE) and tennis shoes (MADE IN KOREA). After cooking his breakfast in his new electric skillet (MADE IN INDIA) he sat down with his calculator (MADE IN MEXICO) to see how much he could spend today. After setting his watch (MADE IN TAIWAN) to the radio (MADE IN INDIA) he got in his car (MADE IN GERMANY) filled it with GAS from (Saudi Arabia) and continued his search for a good paying AMERICAN JOB. At the end of yet another discouraging and fruitless day checking his Computer (Made In Malaysia), Joe decided to relax for a while. He put on his sandals (MADE IN BRAZIL) poured himself a glass of wine (MADE IN FRANCE.! France!!) and turned on his TV(MADE IN INDONESIA), and then wondered why he can’t find a good paying job in.. AMERICA.

And they have most importantly Co-determination, Work Councils, Unions, Worker Coops, Social Democracy/Economy, Strict Environmental Standards, Renewable/Sustainable Developement which allows them to flourish and have a True Democracy.

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